If you’ve ever needed to travel on short notice in India, the Tatkal ticket booking system is your best friend. Introduced by Indian Railways, the Tatkal scheme allows passengers to book tickets just one day before their journey, making it ideal for emergency travel plans.
You can book Tatkal tickets online through the official IRCTC website or trusted travel platforms like MakeMyTrip, Yatra, and Goibibo. However, Tatkal bookings have specific timings, rules, and limitations you need to know for a successful booking.
In this guide, you’ll learn Tatkal ticket timings, booking tips, rules, and proven tricks to improve your chances of getting a confirmed seat.
What is Tatkal Ticket Booking?
The word ‘Tatkal’ comes from Hindi, meaning immediately. It’s designed for travelers who couldn’t plan their journey in advance but still need confirmed train tickets.
Example:
Let’s say you plan to travel on 30 July but didn’t book your ticket earlier. With the Tatkal scheme, you can still book it on 29 July, subject to seat availability.
Tatkal Ticket Timings by IRCTC
Tatkal tickets open one day before the date of journey (excluding the date of travel) and have separate opening times for AC and Non-AC classes:
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AC Classes (1A, 2A, 3A, CC, EC) → Booking starts at 10:00 AM
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Non-AC Classes (SL, 2S) → Booking starts at 11:00 AM
Important Points:
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Only 4 passengers allowed per PNR for Tatkal booking.
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No refund on cancellation of confirmed Tatkal tickets.
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If your Tatkal ticket remains Waitlisted or RAC and is not confirmed before chart preparation, it will be automatically canceled with a refund.
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Tatkal charges are in addition to the base fare and vary depending on the class and distance.
How to Book Tatkal Tickets Fast on IRCTC
Due to high demand, Tatkal tickets often get sold out within minutes. Follow these steps to increase your chances:
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Log in early – Sign in to IRCTC at least 5–10 minutes before booking time.
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Pre-fill passenger details – Use IRCTC’s “Master List” feature to save passenger information in advance.
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Keep payment method ready – Net banking or UPI is faster than card payments.
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Check train availability – Use “Train Between Stations” before booking opens.
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Use high-speed internet – Slow internet can cost you the booking.
Tatkal Booking on Busy Routes
Tatkal tickets are in highest demand for popular routes such as:
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Delhi → Mumbai
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Delhi → Chennai
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Kolkata → Bangalore
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Mumbai → Ahmedabad
On these routes, tickets can sell out in under 2 minutes, so every second counts.
Extra Tips for Successful Tatkal Booking
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Use IRCTC’s mobile app for faster booking compared to the website during peak hours.
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Avoid using multiple tabs, as it can log you out.
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Have an alternative train option in mind in case your first choice is unavailable.
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If traveling in a group, split into two PNRs to increase the chance of getting confirmed seats.
Tatkal FAQs
Q1. Can I book Tatkal tickets offline at railway counters?
Yes. Tatkal tickets can also be booked at reservation counters, but online booking is faster.
Q2. Can existing passengers upgrade to Tatkal?
No. Tatkal booking is only for fresh reservations, not upgrades.
Q3. Are Tatkal tickets more expensive?
Yes. Tatkal charges are a premium over regular fares.
Conclusion
Tatkal booking is a lifesaver for last-minute travelers in India. Knowing the Tatkal timings and following booking tips can greatly improve your chances of securing a seat. Be prepared, be quick, and always have a backup plan.